[SA Chris]

What an odd classification. Does it actually need windows? Would MS Windows _tm be acceptable?

[Adam Lincoln]

Not sure how it works since law change, but used to be that unless it was registered as a campervan you are restricted to 60 mph speed limit.

Ahhh id forgotten you have to stick to 60 in a van. 

[SA Chris]

Only when you are passing  speed cameras.

[Adam Lincoln]

Only when you are passing  speed cameras.

Of course... 

[Paul B]

Not sure how it works since law change, but used to be that unless it was registered as a campervan you are restricted to 60 mph speed limit.

I think it gets even more confusing if you consider that 4 wheel drive is classed as dual purpose so you're not bound by the 'up to 2 tonnes maximum laden weight', syncro anybody? (and, that large luxury saloon cars actually have a GVF greater than a t5!).

[butters]

What an odd classification. Does it actually need windows?

As ever I have no idea - it is just what the DVLA started doing when people submitted their vans for reclassification  some time in the last year IIRC. The idea behind it was to differentiate between a converted van and a proper motorhome was the explanation I read but that could be forum rumour for all I know.

Edit - the SCIENCE behind "van with windows".

[ChrisC]

Scrap all that. Adrian flux have given me 6 months to convert. Only criteria is bed, which can be rock and roller, cupboard, and cooker. Result. And cheap as chips.

Was with them before Sureterm and only changed due to needing 365 days of Euro cover.  Don't remember anything about a non rock and roller bed though, seems a strange requirement for a camper van.  I did have to get it registered as a Motorcaravan with the DVLA as a requirement of the policy - not sure what they would want now after the DVLA's change of rules.

[Adam Lincoln]

Scrap all that. Adrian flux have given me 6 months to convert. Only criteria is bed, which can be rock and roller, cupboard, and cooker. Result. And cheap as chips.

Was with them before Sureterm and only changed due to needing 365 days of Euro cover.  Don't remember anything about a non rock and roller bed though, seems a strange requirement for a camper van.  I did have to get it registered as a Motorcaravan with the DVLA as a requirement of the policy - not sure what they would want now after the DVLA's change of rules.

FYI if of use in the future. My policy with Adrian Flux comes with 365 Euro Cover.

[ChrisC]

FYI if of use in the future. My policy with Adrian Flux comes with 365 Euro Cover.

Nice one, that's good to know in case the RnR bed thing is an issue with Sureterm at the next renewal.  I guess something must have changed with their underwriters as they couldn't do it 15 months ago.

[Willriseley]

Just read through this and kind of scared now.

i have a MWB tranny that im putting a sleeping platform and under storage in, a sinkunit and cooker and wardrobe but also use the van for for work (no windows) do I need to do/change anything with DVLA or insurance?

[butters]

Can't see any reason for the DVLA to be notified as you aren't seeking reclassification. Make sure that you inform your insurance though of anything that you do - chances are that it will make no difference to how much you pay but you don't want a policy being declared void because you haven't told them of something.

[TonyS]

 Hi all,

Just wanted to let you know my experience of converting a van and the associated hassles.

There is now 2 types of camper for insurance purpose. A motorcaravan - with bed water and gas and as said before a van with windows ( this is cheaper to insure than a std van) but nowhere near that of a motorcaravan.

To gain the MC status you must have it re-registered with the DVLA and for this you must have bed, storage, cooker (fixed gas), fridge and running water.  You also have to a conversion cert and gas and electricity safety certificates, along with photos of the conversion showing the number plate..

It was a big hassle and the DVLA refused mine the first time around even though it was a pro conversion costing £12k. The reason being the company I used was not on the registered converters list ( they are now)

My insurance would not cover me unless registered as motorcaravan and the ins on a t5 van was £1600 compared to the £350 Ian paying for the motorcaravan.  I'm 40 as well so should be really cheap for an old gaffer.

Hope that gives you an idea of the process.
Cheers T

P.s to answer your question, you prob do if you are having fixed gas. And also ins would be cheaper.

[SA Chris]

It was a big hassle and the DVLA refused mine the first time around even though it was a pro conversion costing £12k. The reason being the company I used was not on the registered converters list ( they are now)

Odd, ours was done by a non-registered converter, and we showed the DVLA some photos, and they changed it to motorcaravan no problem. Guess it varies from place to place, and who you see on the day. This was about 3 years ago.

[TonyS]

 Yep 2nd time around was no probs and the person could not understand why I was back and it was not done in the first place.. Last year this was and I have been told they are getting very tight with this type of convert due to van prices suddenly increasing through the roof and insurance claims.  As ever.

[Adam Lincoln]

My new investment, ready to be converted!

[SA Chris]

Nice Adam (or should I say white van man!) what engine?

[Adam Lincoln]

Nice Adam (or should I say white van man!) what engine?

It's the 1.9. Only the 85 so it's booked in tomorrow at pendle performance for a remap. Bang it up to just shy of 130.

[SA Chris]

Sounds good. We have the 1.9 108 (107? 109? thereabouts anyway). Always intended getting a remap once it was out of warranty, but TBH it doesn't really need it.

[Adam Lincoln]

Sounds good. We have the 1.9 108 (107? 109? thereabouts anyway). Always intended getting a remap once it was out of warranty, but TBH it doesn't really need it.

Well, i wouldn't be able to put up with the 40+ speed grunt on this 85bhp one. Also with the remap you can get something in the region of 15% more to the tank.
Picking the van up in an hour so quite excited.

[SA Chris]

For the 85 it's definitely a good idea.

Then time to get pimpin!

 http://www.vanstyle.co.uk/shop/accessories-20032009-c-2_1250_1318_3960.html

[Adam Lincoln]

Then time to get pimpin!

 http://www.vanstyle.co.uk/shop/accessories-20032009-c-2_1250_1318_3960.html

 

[Adam Lincoln]

First few mods today on the new van. Engine remap, from the standard 84bhp which is crap, to 137.8bhp, for better performance and economy. The drive now is completely different and i love it. Money well spent.

Second mod was the bonnet bra arrived. Not sure about it yet? But its staying on for now. 

[SA Chris]

I think if you get the silver trim for the grilles that will look very cool.

http://www.vanstyle.co.uk/shop/vanstyle-stainless-steel-radiator-grille-transporter-p-966.html

http://www.vanstyle.co.uk/shop/transporter-stainless-steel-bumper-grille-2003-p-968.html

[Adam Lincoln]

I think if you get the silver trim for the grilles that will look very cool.

http://www.vanstyle.co.uk/shop/vanstyle-stainless-steel-radiator-grille-transporter-p-966.html

http://www.vanstyle.co.uk/shop/transporter-stainless-steel-bumper-grille-2003-p-968.html

Ha, great minds. Already ordered last night. As well as chrome for the wing mirros. 

[SA Chris]

The door handle covers look good too. Make sure you attach them well though, we lost one and you can only buy them as a set!

Also worth getting these

http://www.vanstyle.co.uk/shop/side-wind-deflectors-front-transporter-caravelle-p-973.html

useful if you want to open the windows a bit to let some air in when you are kipping and it's pissing down outside.